Once Upon a Kiss Read Free Page B

pointless?
    “I’d not have it said that we left a man—a
guest at that—to die unshriven upon our lands,” Graeham said. “You
understand, Beauchamp,” he appealed. “Perhaps you might even wish to send along
some of your own men to aid in the search?”
    Once again William glared up at her, though
Dominique kept her gaze averted, watching through her peripheral. She still
could not conceive what she might have said to upset him so much.
    “Of course,” William replied tightly, his gaze
reverting to Graeham. “How obliging of you.” And then he turned to the Dragon.
“You serve your brother well, d’Lucy,” he said, stressing the word “serve,” and leaving
Dominique to wonder whether her brother was baiting the Dragon. Surely not! Not
when he’d lobbied so long for this truce? Still, this was a bitter pill for him
to swallow, she knew, and her heart ached for him.
    The Dragon said naught, simply stood, and when she
ventured a glance his way, she saw that his eyes were steely, no longer so
bright a green, but darkened to gray. Lord, by the sight of him, the size of
him, she thought it unwise for William to rouse him so recklessly. And judging
by the feral look in his eyes, she thought he might pounce at William’s throat
any second. She wanted to speak up, to warn William to hold his tongue, but
dared say nothing more.
    To her relief, it was Graeham who spoke first. “He
serves me too well,” he agreed with a modest smile, and his eyes were
momentarily sad with the admission. He placed a hand upon William’s shoulder.
“Come now, Beauchamp,” he bade her brother. “You and I have much to speak of.”
He glanced up at Dominique, his dark eyes kind. “Lady Dominique... by your
leave?”
    She was certainly pleased there seemed to be some
accord between her brother and Graeham, but she felt it rather indelicate to be
dismissed so easily—and so directly! “Certainly, my lord,” she managed.
“I assure you I would be content to simply take my respite before the evening
meal.” Even
more elated to remove myself from the Dragon’s presence, she added silently.
“If you would only be so kind as to direct me along my way?”
    Graeham nodded empathetically. “The ride from
Amdel must have been wearisome,” he acknowledged. “My brother would be pleased to
see you to your bower, m’lady.” And he gave her a smile, one with such
sincerity that it took her an instant too long to realize to whom it was that
Graeham had entrusted her, and then her heart leapt into her throat. But she
had no chance to protest, for with that, her betrothed turned to go and William
followed, leaving her entirely at the Dragon’s mercy.
    She swallowed convulsively as she turned to face
him, for she’d already determined that in Drakewich’s Dragon, there was no
mercy to be found.

Chapter 2

     
    Every terrifying tale Dominique had ever heard
whispered of the Black Dragon rushed through her mind in that instant as she
stared down into his piercing eyes. Like a half-wit, she sat upon her mount,
her heart racing wildly, and she feared he must have guessed at her thoughts,
for his lips curved a little contemptuously.
    “Contrary to what is said,” he apprised, “I do not spew
flames.” His eyes mocked her as he stepped forward, offering his assistance.
“And particularly not at innocent maids.”
    He’d emphasized the word “innocent” as though it
were a gauntlet pitched at her feet and Dominique sat, staring at his extended
hand with something akin to horror. Of course she was innocent! She had no
notion what he’d meant by the insinuation—if, indeed, that’s what it
was—nor did she wish him to touch her—not in this life or the next!
    “Demoiselle?” he prompted. One dark brow arched
diabolically. “Have you plans to dismount some hour this day, or did you plan
to take that respite upon your feeble mount?”
    Dominique bristled at his arrogance. Forgetting
her dread of him for the instant, she pitched